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Coronavirus Lafayette-Acadiana updates: 45 new cases in region, one more death in Lafayette

Eight parishes in Acadiana reported 45 more cases of coronavirus Tuesday, increasing the number of patients infected in the region to 722. Lafayette Parish reported an additional COVID-19 death, for a total of 23 fatalities from the virus.

Tuesday's 45 new cases is the lowest single-day increase in Acadiana since March 29, though the state as a whole saw its deadliest day yet, reporting 70 more deaths and 1,417 new cases.

Louisiana has reported 16,287 patients infected with the virus and 582 deaths, one of the highest death rates in the country.

Lafayette Parish was the only parish in Acadiana to report an additional death Tuesday, marking its seventh fatality related to the virus.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory noted officials are still waiting for the disease to peak locally, but that recent days have taken a slightly more positive trend.

“We are still experiencing substantial increases in confirmed cases, but if the data from the next few days continues the current trend, we may see the rate of increase starting to slow, suggesting that peak infection is near,” Guillory said Tuesday. “Of course, these computer models have many assumptions, and the data changes daily, so we cannot become complacent. We need to continue diligently following social distancing guidelines.”

Lafayette saw the largest increase in terms of the number of patients among Acadiana parishes Tuesday with 12 more added to a total of 272, followed by St. Martin Parish, which added 11 cases, climbing to 101 reported cases overall.

St. Landry Parish saw the largest increase in terms of percentage growth in cases Tuesday, with a 13.3% jump from 52 to 60 patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Guillory touted Lafayette Parish’s low ratio of confirmed cases to total tests so far, though he noted that cases are counted in a patient’s parish of residence while tests are counted based on where they are performed.

That means parishes where people take tests, like Lafayette, will record more tests being completed, while more rural parishes will record the positive results of those tests if their residents went to a healthcare hub to get tested, skewing the ratio.

Regionally, Acadiana does have one of the lowest positive testing rates in the state, with about 8% of the region's 8,500 completed tests being positive, on par with the Shreveport region and behind only the Lake Charles area.

“Our positivity rate is still extremely low,” Guillory said. “It’s low because we’re doing what we’re supposed to do. We’re exercising social distancing, washing our hands frequently, trying not to touch our face, not hugging and shaking hands. Continue to exercise common sense disciplines, and we will continue to have this lower positive rate. But we have to have cautious optimism and continue to exercise common sense.”

Guillory also said he had “no immediate concerns” about health care capacity in Lafayette as projections have reigned in the virus’ expected impact on healthcare resources locally.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said Tuesday that even the New Orleans area, where one in every 100 people has tested positive for COVID-19, isn’t expected to run out of ventilators for at least two more weeks. He has said in the past that the New Orleans area would run out of ventilators and intensive care beds this week.

Screening for coronavirus tests is continuing at the Cajundome this week, but operations were reduced to three days a week, with screening being conducted between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Starting next week, the site will move to operating only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Lafayette Consolidated Government is offering free lunches to workers who have lost their incomes due to coronavirus. The meals are served each day at 11 a.m. the Robicheaux Recreation Center on Eraste Landry Road thanks to the Brees Dream Foundation.

LCG spokesperson Jamie Angelle said Tuesday that lines form early each day and that meals are limited to two per car.

Richard Hessler, retired firefighter, balloon artist, musician and kickboxer, waves to passing motorist as he volunteers his free time to deliver prescription drugs to home bound residents in Opelousas. Freddie Herpin

Mario Gagot stays busy during the Coronavirus crises by working in his home garden. Thursday afternoon found him planting an assorted variety of peppers to go along with the tomatoes, lettuce and other vegetables already planted. The Opelousas resident is a Vietnam veteran and former helicopter pilot. F. Herpin

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Smoothiie King lobby is temporarily closed, drive thru is still open. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

STM Principle Kelley Leger sits alone in the stands as fans were not permitted to attend the LHSAA State Championship game between STM and UHIGH . Friday, March 13, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Dr. Tina Stefanski, the regional medical director for the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, speaking with media to provide updates to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lafayette Parish. Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

SLEMCO Lineman Durk Baudoin making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Like everywhere else Opelousas is feeling the effectds of the Corsonavirus but life goes on as evidenced from the photos taken Tuesday morning around Opelousas. Arthur Jones and Neil Chenier doing yard work near South City Park. F. Herpin

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Officer Derick Miles speaking with Mayor President Josh Guillory. Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Dr. Tina Stefanski, the regional medical director for the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, speaking with media to provide updates to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lafayette Parish. Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to state wide mandate. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rocky and Debbie Carter enjoying lunch outsdide at Twins Burgers. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Smoothiie King lobby is temporarily closed, drive thru is still open. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Brandy Mitchell serving customer at makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rocky and Debbie Carter enjoying lunch outsdide at Twins Burgers. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Grand Theatre on Johnston St. is closed to the public. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Grand Theatre on Johnston St. is closed to the public. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to state wide mandate. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to a state wide mandate, one of many local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

A SLEMCO work crew is making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

SLEMCO Lineman Durk Baudoin making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network